Cristiano Ronaldo Addresses Portugal’s Euro 2024 Exit Amid Retirement Speculations

Sonia Ferreira

5 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo at a press conference, looking thoughtful

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence following Portugal’s exit from Euro 2024 after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to France. The 39-year-old football legend took to social media to thank fans and address rumors about his potential retirement from international football.

Key Takeaways

Portugal was eliminated from Euro 2024 after a penalty shootout loss to France.
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted this may be his last international tournament.
Ronaldo and Pepe, both veterans, are contemplating their futures.

Portugal’s Euro 2024 Journey Ends

Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign came to a dramatic end with a penalty shootout defeat to France. After a goalless 120 minutes, France’s Theo Hernandez converted the winning spot-kick, following a miss by Portugal’s Joao Felix. Ronaldo, who played the entire match and scored his penalty, faced criticism for his performance, having failed to score in the tournament despite 23 shots.

Ronaldo’s Emotional Response

Taking to Instagram, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the fans and his disappointment over the exit. He wrote, "We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each and every one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for all that you have given us and all that we have accomplished so far."

Ronaldo was seen comforting his long-time teammate Pepe after the defeat. Both players are now facing questions about their international futures. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, stated that it was too soon to make any decisions regarding their retirements.

Speculations on Retirement

Ronaldo had already confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship. With 212 appearances for Portugal, the speculation about his retirement has intensified. Pepe, at 41, is also expected to call time on his international career soon. Both players have been pivotal in Portugal’s football history, and their potential retirements mark the end of an era.

A Look Back at the Tournament

Portugal’s journey in Euro 2024 was filled with highs and lows. They managed to reach the quarter-finals but faced challenges along the way. Ronaldo’s performance was under scrutiny, especially after a shock defeat to Georgia in the group stage and a missed penalty against Slovenia in the last-16. Despite these setbacks, Portugal showed resilience and fought hard in every match.

Future Prospects

Portugal’s exit from Euro 2024 has prompted discussions about the team’s future. With veterans like Ronaldo and Pepe possibly stepping down, the focus will shift to the younger generation of players. Coach Roberto Martinez emphasized the need to build on the team’s strengths and prepare for future challenges.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to fans and his emotional response to Portugal’s Euro 2024 exit highlight the end of a significant chapter in his illustrious career. As the football world awaits his decision on retirement, Ronaldo’s legacy in international football remains unparalleled.